PHANG NGA, Thailand – A rare and exciting sight has captured the attention of nature enthusiasts and marine life experts. Over 100 False Killer Whales were spotted hunting for small fish near the Similan Islands in Phang Nga Province on January 24. This sighting was reported by Capt. Rittikorn Nunloi, the head of the Similan Islands National Park.
During a routine patrol, national park rangers aboard a scuba diving tour boat at Koh Bangu (Island 9) in the Similan Islands noticed the large pod of False Killer Whales. The whales were seen swimming around the boat, showcasing their hunting behavior as they chased after fish.
This rare sighting is a strong indicator of the abundance and health of the marine ecosystem around the Similan Islands, an area known for its rich biodiversity. False Killer Whales, which are protected under Thailand’s Wildlife Protection Act of 1992, are not commonly seen in such large numbers.
False Killer Whales, with their black bodies and grayish bellies, are often mistaken for Pilot Whales due to their similar shape. However, they differ in having a shorter fin located centrally along their back and a less prominent forehead. These whales usually travel in pods of 10 to 60 individuals, and sometimes even larger groups. They are known to leap out of the water and often travel alongside other marine species such as Bottlenose Dolphins.
In Thailand, False Killer Whales are typically found in the waters around the Similan Islands and Surin Islands, also located in Phang Nga Province. The sighting of this large group reinforces the importance of preserving the region’s natural marine resources.
